What should you not put in an air fryer?

Author: Johnpaul Smitham  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

An air fryer's fast-moving convection heat can cause meat and certain vegetables to dry out. Leafy greens, lean meats and certain seafoods, for instance, are no longer welcome in my air fryer.

What can't be cooked in an air fryer?

Any food with a wet batter should not be placed in the air fryer. You also want to avoid putting food that has a wet batter, like corndogs or tempura shrimp, in air fryers.

What is unsafe in an air fryer?

1. To minimize toxic exposure from the materials used in your air fryer, avoid PFOA, PFTE, Phthalates and BPA and look for air fryers that are made with stainless steel, glass, or ceramic parts instead of non-stick coatings.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer or air fryer oven, but it should only go in the basket. Think foil in air fryer equals small piece that does not block air flow! The air fryer pushes hot air all around the food. If the air is blocked by foil, it cannot cook the food properly.

What can ruin an air fryer?

  • Liquids. There have been plenty of hacks circulating on the internet for cleaning an air fryer, but not all of them are a good idea. ...
  • Wet batter. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Commercial spray oils. ...
  • Bread for toasting. ...
  • Sauces. ...
  • Raw rice or grains. ...
  • Burnt food.

Delicious Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Why are air fryers bad for you?

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Can you put raw meat in an airfryer?

Yes, that's right. You can cook raw meat in the air fryer. As a suggestion, what you want to do is take out the meat you would like to prepare out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or so.

Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

Can you put glass in an air fryer?

Whether you prefer the benefits of cooking in glass or you just use glass dishes out of habit, we've got good news – yes! You can use glass in an air fryer.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

What is the toxic material in air fryers?

Air frying, by its nature, involves circulating hot air around your food, which raises concerns about the creation of harmful compounds like acrylamide. Acrylamide is a chemical that forms when starchy foods, such as potatoes, are cooked at high temperatures and is classified as a potential carcinogen.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

Air fryer buying mistakes – appliance experts reveal 4 errors to...
  • Going too big or too small.
  • Not prioritizing ease of use.
  • Disregarding cleaning and maintenance.
  • Overlooking multifunctionality.

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer?

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

Can I fry an egg in an air fryer?

Frying an egg in an air fryer is much easier than you might imagine with this simple air fryer fried egg recipe. Simply crack your eggs into a small skillet, or metal heatproof dish, season and air fry! Try it served with smashed avocado, buttery toast and chopped chives.

Can I put tin foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What is the trick for using an air fryer?

You can get the most out of your air fryer or oven with air frying capabilities when you use the following air frying tips and tricks.
  • Preheat. ...
  • Avoid using too much cooking spray. ...
  • Consider rack placement. ...
  • Adjust cooking time. ...
  • Don't use too much oil. ...
  • Use a perforated tray or basket. ...
  • Place a baking tray on the rack below.

Can I use a paper plate in an air fryer?

The short answer is no, regular paper plates are not safe to use in an air fryer. Most paper plates on the market are made for disposable use and come in various materials, including: Kraft paper: These have a brown-yellow color and can withstand temperatures up to 180°C (356°F).

Why can't you use olive oil in an air fryer?

Using cooking oils that can stand up to a high temperature is key. Extra virgin olive oil is not an air fry-friendly oil due to its low smoke point, but extra light olive oil can be used for air frying because of its high smoke point.

What is the best food to cook in an air fryer?

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

Can you use a pyrex dish in an air fryer?

Pyrex® dishes are ideal for use in "air fryers" . Our glass dishes can withstand extreme temperatures, from -40°C to +300°C. They won't retain stains or odours, preserving the purity of flavours. So you can cook evenly directly in our dishes.

What is the easiest meat to cook in the air fryer?

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

Can I air fry raw chicken wings?

Before you put the raw chicken wings in the air fryer, season generously with salt so they cook up crispy and flavorful. Leave space between the wings. Air needs to be able to circulate around each wing to crisp up the skin, so don't stack or overlap the wings. If necessary, air fry them in multiple batches.

Can you put a rack in an air fryer?

What are racks in an air fryer used for? Air fryer racks can help you achieve a crisp coating on dishes such as chicken drumsticks, steak and fish. This is because the rack elevates the food, which means heat can easily circulate around it.

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